The cheery letters from real estate agents pile up daily in our letterbox. They all want to inform me of the wonderfully high prices their recent home sales received in our eastern suburbs beachside area in Sydney.

Our local video store is closing, citing declining customer numbers and rising rents. The only surprise is that it's kept open so long. The video revolution completely passed it by. These days it's all about downloads.

Joe Hockey might count himself lucky to be Treasurer but he’s certainly not lucky in his timing. Between now and May, he will be desperately trying to find salvation from a budget that offers him no help in a political climate that has never been so toxic.

Jennifer Hewett | Tony Abbott says he is determined to give Australians the good government they deserve. His party – as well as voters – remain to be convinced. Initial optimism in business about prospects for tax reform has long since become dismay at opportunities lost. There’s little discussion going on.